As we prepared to leave Colorado for Texas it was only appropriate that we drove past this sign as we drove around for a final look at some of the beautiful scenery and things we would remember about the area. The sign was a good prediction of what we found as we traveled west.
One of the things I had put off until the very last was cutting aspen walking sticks for the family. The rangers will give you a permit to cut walking sticks (free) so it is just a matter of finding one you like the looks of and going to work. With so many beautiful aspens you would think this would be a very easy job but it turns out when you are looking for just the right size/shape/length it takes longer than you expect.
I finally found the perfect candidate so it was time to get out the handsaw and go to work. If you have never made a walking stick from aspen you know the real work is just beginning (at least the way I make them). I like to do all of the prep with my trusty pocketknife and I peel off the bark, smooth out all the knots from where the branches were removed, sand it down smooth and put 3 or 4 coats of urethane for a nice protective finish. However, it is a labor of love so time is not of primary concern.
This is a shot of three of the walking sticks I have made during our travels. The one on the left is a finished aspen one, the next one is one from Shenandoah Becky found (not sure of the wood) and the one on the right is an unfinished one from aspen. The photo does not show the shiny finish very well but perhaps you get the idea.
The National Forest provides a cabin for some of their rangers and this is one that might tempt Becky and me back into the workforce.
In the town of Creede we had noted this Episcopalian Church - founded 110 years ago and meeting in the existing building for 100 years. We never made it to a service but did speak with the vicar, (who serves several churches in the area) and would have enjoyed hearing him. Perhaps the next time we visit the area. I am also including this for my friend Charlie who first introduced me to the Episcopalian Church during our college days.
One of our friends at the lodge in Creede was Princess. She was a faithful companion as I went on my morning 'walkabout' and frequently came to our trailer to visit (and sit outside the door waiting on Becky to bring her a treat). She was a perfect lady at all times and managed to catch quite a few ground squirrels and chipmunks even at the ripe old age of 13.
Here Princess waits patiently for her afternoon treat.
No comments:
Post a Comment